At the very same speech in which Pastor Kevin Swanson called for the death of all homosexuals in the presence of three Republican presidential candidates, the crazed fanatic also called for the death of children who read Harry Potter and watch “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Swanson’s grievances toward the films and books involved their apparent endorsement of homosexuality; “America, repent that Dumbledore emerged as a homosexual mentor for Harry Potter, that Hiccup’s mentor in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ emerged as a homosexual himself in order that history might repeat itself one more time,” Swanson said.

The hateful evangelist encouraged parents to drown their children rather than let them be influenced by such blasphemous books and films. “Parents, it would be better for them that a millstone be hanged around their neck and they be drowned at the bottom of the sea.”

When listening to Pastor Swanson’s impassioned and fanatic speeches, it might be easy to laugh at his gesticulating arms and bulging eyes. And yet, the heart of his argument lies in violence and a deep hatred for a group of people that is so intense that he is driven to focus all of his energy to fight their very identity. This level of fanaticism can often lend itself to violent action when motivated by something external which is what makes men like Swanson so very dangerous. The fact that many Republicans would agree with Swanson’s venomous speech is even more unsettling.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter
@SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com